Sorry I am a couple of days late on this one folks...
Clue #3 was posted Monday 3/18.
Click Here for full details and to get registered... Happy Hunting!
The Paddle Junkie's - Base Layer Buyer's Guide
Prepare for the cold! We run done our picks for the best base layers around.
Outdoor Retailer "Best in Show Awards;
The Paddle Junkie crew spent 4 days wandering the halls of the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City to find the coolest gear released at the Outdoor Retailer trade show. This is what we found.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Kelty Salida 2 Tent - Gear Review
I don't know about you, but I have been itching to get out and sleep under the stars. As the ice melts and the lakes open back up, opportunities to sneak away are getting more and more enticing. This time of year the weather likes to try and fool you, so having a reliable place to escape is paramount. My first choice in spring shelters is the 2-pole 2-person tent, and there are a gazillion choices out there. One of my favorites for 2011, and a winner of this year's Backpacker Editor's Choice Award, is the Kelty Salida 2.
The dependable quality of Kelty comes through in all their goods, but where they really set themselves apart is delivering value. Many of us can't or simply won't drop $400+ on a tent, especially if we only get the chance to use it a couple of times a year. With an MSRP of only $159, I feel like I am stealing this tent. It may not be the lightest (still only 4lbs 8oz fully packed) or most feature loaded tent in this category, but it has everything I look for, and less is more when it comes to my gear. 30.5 sq ft of interior space plus a single 10 sq ft vestibule provide ample space for sleeping and gear storage. The color coded clip system is as easy as it gets, set-up in less than 5 minutes start to finish. Interior stash pockets and gear loft loops make staying organized a breeze.
A deep "Arch Edge" floor with fully taped seams, and a full coverage rain fly keeps you and your gear dry in even the most gnarly storms. The top 2/3 of the tent is no-see-um mesh for great ventilation with the fly on or a true "sleeping under the stars" feeling (minus the mosquitoes) when the fly is not needed. Kelty keeps helping us live true to our motto.... "normal guys looking for quality gear that won't break the bank"....
Available at.....
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Kelty's Monthly Give-Away - The Basecamp Kitchen
Kelty is at it again.... This month's give-a-way is The Basecamp Kitchen. Everything you need to keep a camp loaded with hungry bellies happy.
Click Here to register for your chance to win...
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Find the GO: Clue #2 posted....
For your chance to win a sweet SylvanSports GO Trailer packed full with $15,000 worth of gear. Head on over to Find the GO and get yourself registered. Clue #2 was posted yesterday, so you can still catch up....
Sierra Designs Lava Jacket - Gear Review
Mother Nature is at it again. Just when you think you are destined for flip-flops and Bermuda shorts, SNOW is back in the forecast. Yes, I said SNOW. Fortunately for me, I have not stowed my cold weather gear just yet, I have lived here long enough to know better. April weather is two things around here, volatile and wet. We will go from 70 degree days back to the 30's with snow/rain in a matter of just a few hours. I have the perfect weapon.
The Sierra Designs Lava Jacket is coming back out of the closet for one last hurrah. Amazingly warm for only 26.5 ounces, thanks to Primaloft insulation, and about as weatherproof as it gets, 35 degrees and sleeting is not a problem. Fully taped seams, waterproof zippers, an integrated (helmet compatible) hood and a storm flap along the front will keep precipitation, in any form, at bay. It may be a bit more jacket than some people need in this kind of weather, because as the name implies this jacket can get HOT. With incredible breathability and under arm vents, temp regulations is easy. Plus, having more jacket than you need is far better than the alternative.
The folks over at Sierra Designs prove once again that they just get it. This is about as versatile a jacket as you will find. From the dead of winter to a spring snowfall, this jacket will have your back.
MSRP: $249.00
Available at...
The folks over at Sierra Designs prove once again that they just get it. This is about as versatile a jacket as you will find. From the dead of winter to a spring snowfall, this jacket will have your back.
MSRP: $249.00
Available at...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
National Parks Week: April 16th-24th, 2011
Did you know that there are 394 national parks? Starting this Saturday, and running through Easter Sunday, is national parks weeks. Most of the national parks are always free, but over 100 of them normally charge a fee to gain entrance. Not for National Parks Week!!! A vast number of the concessions within the parks will also be running promotions and discounts to celebrate the occasion.
What parks have you been to lately?
What parks have you been to lately?
Check out the Events Calendar to see what is happening in your part of the country...
Meet the Yadkin Riverkeeper
If you live in North Carolina, or are able to get to that part of the country this month, you should check out the Yadkin Riverkeeper and the organization’s Tour de Yadkin, an annual month-long river paddling event along 185 miles of the Yadkin River. From April 2 through 30, paddlers can kayak or canoe for a few hours or whole days with one of America’s leading river advocates, Dean Naujoks, leading the way.
Each weekend during the month of April, the Riverkeeper will stop along the river for community festivities that celebrate a cleaner river. Billed as, Paddle and Party for a Clean River, Remaining events include:
• April 16 at 8:30 AM: Earth Day River Clean-Up with REI, at Old 421 Park
• April 17 from 9 AM to 3 PM: Picnic on the River. Paddle from Huntsville to Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem for a picnic on the river
• April 23 at 11:00 AM: Easter on the River at Tamarac Marina on High Rock Lake. Easter egg hunt
• April 30: Final Paddle Day on the Uwharrie River at Morrow Mountain State Park and wrap-up party at Badin Inn
Participation in all events is free. ($5 fee per person for liability coverage for on the water events.) Paddlers are encouraged to provide their own equipment, but may rent canoes or kayaks directly from Yadkin River Adventures, SuperFly Outdoor Sports or God’s Country Outfitters. Additionally, people can donate $10 to Sponsor a Mile in support of Yadkin Riverkeeper’s efforts to maintain clean water for future generations.
For a list of updated events, general information on the Tour, to locate an outfitter, sponsor a mile, or sign up to paddle, visit yadkinriverkeeper.org or call 336-722-4949.
(Dean Naujoks)
• April 16 at 8:30 AM: Earth Day River Clean-Up with REI, at Old 421 Park
• April 17 from 9 AM to 3 PM: Picnic on the River. Paddle from Huntsville to Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem for a picnic on the river
• April 23 at 11:00 AM: Easter on the River at Tamarac Marina on High Rock Lake. Easter egg hunt
• April 30: Final Paddle Day on the Uwharrie River at Morrow Mountain State Park and wrap-up party at Badin Inn
Participation in all events is free. ($5 fee per person for liability coverage for on the water events.) Paddlers are encouraged to provide their own equipment, but may rent canoes or kayaks directly from Yadkin River Adventures, SuperFly Outdoor Sports or God’s Country Outfitters. Additionally, people can donate $10 to Sponsor a Mile in support of Yadkin Riverkeeper’s efforts to maintain clean water for future generations.
For a list of updated events, general information on the Tour, to locate an outfitter, sponsor a mile, or sign up to paddle, visit yadkinriverkeeper.org or call 336-722-4949.
Monday, April 11, 2011
FindtheGO is back for 2011...
This is one of the coolest (and largest) give-aways of the year.... Somewhere in the USA this SylvanSport GO trailer loaded down with $15,000 worth of gear. Black Diamond, KEEN, Kelty and Yakima are just a few of the companies involved. Check out video below.....
Spring Promotions on Canoes and Kayaks
If you are in the market for a new Canoe or Kayak this spring, why not get in on some rebates and FREE gear??? Check out these deals from the Johnson Outdoors family of brands...
Available at...
Buy a Looksha 12, 12 Si or 14 between March 1 and May 15, 2011 and receive a $100 Visa© gift card. Click Here for details...
Purchase an Ocean Kayak™ Trident 11, 13, 15 or Torque between March 1 and May 15, 2011 and receive a Plano® tackle box and two Cannon® rod holders. Click Here for details....
Available at...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
ExOfficio Storm Logic Jacket - Gear Review
Now that the snow is finally disappearing and temps are reaching up into the 50's here in Minnesota, I can finally put my expedition weight jacket away until next fall. What I do need is a light, but still warm jacket to ward off the morning chill. The Storm Logic Jacket from ExOfficio has been handling the job nicely.
Made from DWR treated rip-stop polyester and filled with Primaloft One insulation, this jacket is surprisingly warm for how incredibly light it is. Ample pockets including 4 interior travel pockets, keep all your essentials safe and handy. The jacket also compresses down into an integrated stuff sack, turning it into a camp pillow in seconds.
So, until I can forget the jacket all together, this is my go-to option for the next couple of months. At least I will be warm and comfy until I can bust out the shorts and flip-slops.
MSRP: $150.00
Available at...
On Sale: $89.99
So, until I can forget the jacket all together, this is my go-to option for the next couple of months. At least I will be warm and comfy until I can bust out the shorts and flip-slops.
MSRP: $150.00
Available at...
On Sale: $89.99
Monday, April 4, 2011
Kelty Monthly GiveAway - Lightyear 40 Sleeping Bag
Need a new sleeping bag? Sign up for this month's Gear GiveAway from Kelty and you could be all set. Check out this great warm weather bag, the Light Year XP 40....
Good Luck....
If you simply can't wait or luck isn't on your side this time you can pick one up at...
Regularly $109.95 On Sale: $76.97
If you simply can't wait or luck isn't on your side this time you can pick one up at...
Regularly $109.95 On Sale: $76.97
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tactical Elegance - The CRKT Ripple 2 - Gear Review
There is a huge range of styles of pocket knives. Are you a fan of the classic traditional styles? Or, do you love the technology and materials of modern tactical knives? For me the short answer is, Yes. Several designers have taken elements from several design styles and married them in one knife, some not so successfully. CRKT and designer Ken Onion have built a fantastic series of "Gentleman's Tactical" pocket knives; the Ripple and Ripple 2.
Ken Onion realizes that most of us do not need to carry a 4" blade in our pocket for everyday use. Most people want something functional and strong, but our needs and those of a soldier abroad are by no means the same. The two renditions of the Ripple are a smooth lined, minimalist version of a tactical knife with style. Coming in with blade lengths of 3.125" and 2.7" respectively, the Ripple and Ripple 2 are a very comfortable size.
Lightning fast one-handed opening with a flick of the "blade flipper" and the assistance of the IKBS ball bearing system machined into the handle. Incredibly smooth and rigid, literally zero blade wiggle in between the handle scales. CRKT makes knives in nearly every style, now they have blended two of my favorites into one great every day carry knife.
Available at...
Ken Onion realizes that most of us do not need to carry a 4" blade in our pocket for everyday use. Most people want something functional and strong, but our needs and those of a soldier abroad are by no means the same. The two renditions of the Ripple are a smooth lined, minimalist version of a tactical knife with style. Coming in with blade lengths of 3.125" and 2.7" respectively, the Ripple and Ripple 2 are a very comfortable size.
Lightning fast one-handed opening with a flick of the "blade flipper" and the assistance of the IKBS ball bearing system machined into the handle. Incredibly smooth and rigid, literally zero blade wiggle in between the handle scales. CRKT makes knives in nearly every style, now they have blended two of my favorites into one great every day carry knife.
MSRP:
Ripple: $125
Ripple 2: $115
Available at...
Ripple: $89.95
Ripple 2: $79.95
Ripple 2: $79.95
